Neonatal ICU - Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital
The saddest news imaginable. Hamish, our new Grandson has been diagnosed with Cerebal Palsey - of the severest kind. The Paediatrician told Terry that he may not have the use of his arms and legs and may or may not be able to swallow. The damage has occured in the centre of his brain which affects his mobility. We do not know if he will be intellectually disabled though the MRI scan shows little damage to the right side of his brain. As you can imagine, Matthew and Jacqui are absolutely devastated. I have worked through my grief and sadness with Terry but I cannot even imagine how Matthew and Jacqui feel. They are currently staying with us for a couple of days which is good for Jacqui as she can be cossetted. Leaving the hospital without the baby is hard enough but to go home I imagine will be heartbreaking.

Matthew is bearing up well though I am concerned for him - I know they both know the seriousness of the situation but are holding on to "hope". The hope that as Hamish was caught immediately after birth and medicated the brain damage might repair itself and because he is a baby the other sides of the brain may take over. As for Terry and I we believe he will be severely disabled but cannot disabuse Matthew and Jacqui of their hope. Miracles sometimes do happen but I think this is an awful ask.

Hamish will stay at the Royal Children's Hospital until such time as he can swallow. He is thriving - I have seen him blink and stretch and lift his little legs though his arms are flaccid. Jacqui said yesterday that he waved his arms around. We do not know what all this means - is it the brain just shutting down (rather like the itch you feel when your leg is removed) or is it something more? Hamish will have another MRI scan next week so see if the damage has changed. Terry and I hope to be with Matthew and Jacqui for this appointment so that we can learn more. Whatever happens Hamish is going to be a part of this family and I think in one way and another he is going to change us all. He will be loved and nurtured - for us the thought that there will be an intelligent little boy in a body that may not be able to communicate is horrific but we'll all be there for him and help him cope. May be our love itself will create the miracle for this very different special little boy.